Asbestos Awareness

Asbestos is a naturally occuring mineral that can be pulled into a fluffy consistency resistant to heat, electricity, and corrosion. Asbestos is banned in most developed countries like Japan but not in the USA. It is a perfect insulator and can be used in paper, cement, cloth and other materials to make them stronger. When asbestos is disturbed and the dust ends up in the air, the microscopic fibers can be trapped in the body forever when inhaled or ingested. This causes inflammation, scarring and eventually genetic damage to the body cells. Exposure to this asbestos dusts can also cause a rare aggressive cancer called mesothelioma cancer. Renovation or demolition work usually exposes one to asbestos. Manufacturing companies use asbestos insulation in steam pipes and engines, other companies incorporated them into boilers, gaskets, automotive brake pads and roofing materials. In the 1950’s asbestos was found in some cigarette filters.